Explosive pulse generator

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a power supply for generating an electrical pulse. More particularly, the invention is a power supply for generating an electrical pulse including a housing, a coil of wire supported by the housing, a magnetic member supported by the housing and removable relative to the coil, and an explosive element having an igniter cap which, when physically distorted, ignites the explosive element, the explosive element being carried by the body and arranged to move the magnetic member by explosive force to induce a voltage pulse in the coil.

,1 P11 8502 QR 5 6315-2390 uuucu Draws rawul [151 3,636,390 Stauder etal. 1 Jan. 18, 1972 [54] EXPLOSIVE PULSE GENERATOR 3,257,905 6/1966Weisman et al ..31o/14 x [72] Inventors: Bob E. stander; William 0'Christians, 3,259,769 7/1966 Stott ..310/14 both Tulsa Okla 3,337,7608/1967 Allport ..290/l X 3,500,078 3/1970 Buser et a1. ..3l0/l3 [73]Assignee: Dorset! Electronics, A Division of La Barge, ln Tul OklPrimary Examiner-D. F. Duggan Arr -H d&J h 221 Filed: Jan. 26, 1970 mmea 0 1211 Appl. No; 5,629 [571 ABSTRACT This invention relates to apower supply for generating mi [52] U.S.Cl ..3l0/l4, 290/1 electricalpulse Mow paricularly is 3 35/02 supply for generating an electricalpulse including a housing, a 310/1245; 290/] coil of wire supported bythe housing, a magnetic member supported by the housing and removablerelative to the coil, and an explosive element having an igniter capwhich, when [51] lnt.Cl. [58] Field of Search [56] References Cltedphysically distorted, ignites the explosive element, the explo- UNITEDSTATES PATENTS sive element being carried by the body and arranged tomove the magnetic member by explosive force to induce a voltage2,544,077 3/1951 Gardner ..3 10/15 puke in the coiL 3,105,153 9/1963James, Jr. ....290/1 3,1 16,428 12/1963 Blodgett et a] ..310/15 2Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JAM 8 1912 3, 636'. 390

sum 1 or 2 F/G. Z

I/VVENTORS OB E. STAUDER WILLIAM O.CHRISTIANSON ATTORNE Y5 EXPLOSIVEPULSE GENERATOR BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is frequentlynecessary to provide an electrical voltage pulse for initiating asystem-event or sequence. As an example, pilot ejecting devices requirea voltage pulse to actuate a sequence of events as a part of a pilotescape system. Obviously, voltage pulses can be initiated utilizingelectrical energy available from the aircraft electrical system.However, in order for the pilot escape system to be completelydependable it must be designed to function in the event of failure ofthe aircraft electrical system. Batteries may be utilized as a backup orsupplement to an aircraft electrical system, however, every known typeof battery has a limited life, and in any event, any accidental currentleakage soon dissipates a battery. Therefore batteries are undesirablesince they must be frequently checked to-assure their ready state.

It is an object of this invention to provide a power supply forgenerating an electrical pulse which can be utilized, by way of example,in an aircraft pilot ejection system to produce a voltage pulse whendesired independent of the aircraft electrical system.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power supply forgenerating an electrical pulse which remains dependable for an unlimitedlength of time and which does not have to be periodically checked toascertain that it is in a ready state.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for generatingan electrical pulse upon the physical distortion of an igniter cap.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for producing atimed spaced sequence of electrical pulses upon physical distortion ofan igniter cap.

These general objects as well as more specific objects of the inventionwill be understood by reference to the description and claims, taken inconjunction with the attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views taken along the lines 22 and 33respectively of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a different embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along the lines 5-5and 6-6respectively of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an embodiment of theinven- -tion is illustrated. An elongated tubular housing 10 is shownhaving an explosive element generally indicated by the numeral 12 at oneend thereof, the other end being closed by a plug 14. The explosiveelement 12 may be in the form of a hollow retainer 16 holding anexplosive charge 18. A cap 20 in one end of the retainer 16 ignites theexplosive charge 18 when the cap is deformed, such as when struck by afiring pin. The explosive element 12 is of a known arrangement as usedin many types of ammunition for firing a projectile, such as a shotgunshell. The explosive element 12 may be externally threaded asillustrated and received by internal threads 22 in the end of housing 10or it may be otherwise afiixed in the end of housing 10.

Received about housing 10 are a plurality of coils 24, five of suchcoils being illustrated. Only one coil 24 may be utilized, or anydesired number, and the length of a single coil, or any number of coils,may be as desired. Each of the coils 24 includes output conductors 26across which a voltage pulse is produced by the apparatus when actuatedas will be described subsequently.

Within the tubular housing 10 is a magnetic member generally indicatedby the numeral 28. Magnetic member 28 is formed of a material which hasa permanent magnetic field established therein. The magnetic element 28may be a single cylindrical element having a north plurality at one endand south plurality at the other, or as in the illustrated arrangement,the magnetic element 28 may consist of a plurality of magnetic discs 30,there being four illustrated, separated by nonmagnetic discs 32.Thepurpose for utilizing a plurality of spaced magnetic discs 30 is toimpart'a sequence of voltage pulses in each coil 24 on each passage ofthe magnetic member 28, whereas the use of a single magnetic elementhaving a single north and south pole produces a single voltage pulse oneach passage of a coil 24.

A spring 34 is received within housing 10 at the end opposite theexplosive element I2. Thefunction of spring 34 is to receive and absorbthe kinetic energy of magnetic member 28 as it travels away fromexplosive element 12. Other purposes of spring 34 will be set forthinconnection with the description of the operation of the device.

Optionally-included in housing 10 is a gas discharge opening or openings36 as illustrated, spaced adjacent to the end of the housing 10 havingplug member 14. Openings 36 are preferably closed with a frangible cover38, such as tape or the like, the cover 38 being rupturable by gaspressure within the housing 10 but serving to prevent foreign objectsand contamination from entering the housing prior to the use of thedevice.

OPERATION OF EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 1, 2 AND 3 The drawings show the devicein its normal state, that is, the ready condition in which it restsuntil actuated to generate a voltage pulse, or voltage pulses. It canbeseen that the apparatus may remain in ready state for an indefiniteperiod, even including many years, without deterioration. The firing ofexplosive elements of the type exemplified by element 12 is, by presenttechnology, an extremely dependable event. The device does not have tobe checked or otherwise tested to ascertain its ready state. There areno batteries or capacitors to discharge or deteriorate and thegeneration of a voltage pulse is not dependent upon any other electricalsystem or device.

To actuate the device for generation of one or more voltage pulses, allthat is necessary is that a firing pin, such as utilized in a rifle orshotgun, physically engages cap 20. The physical distortion in cap 20results in the ignition of explosive charge 18 with the resultantimmediate production of a large gas volume. The sudden increase in gaspressure by the firing of explosive element 12 causes the magneticmember 28 to be projected within housing 10 away from element 12 andtowards the opposite end of the housing. As the magnetic member 28 moveswithin housing 10 it passes coils 24 inducing a voltage by the effect ofthe cutting of the wires of the coils 24 by the magnetic field emanatingfrom the magnetic element 28. If magnetic element 28 is of a singleelement having one north and one south pole, a single voltage pulse isinduced in each coil by the passage of the element. If, as illustrated,the magnetic element includes a plurality of separate magnetic discs 30there is a voltage pulse produced by each of the discs 30. Where thepluralities of magnetic discs 30 are reversed, as shown in FIG. 1, theplurality of the voltage pulses produced in each coil 24 will likewisebe reversed.

By the provision of a plurality of spaced coils 24, as illustrated,there is provided a sequence of pulses as magnetic element 28 moves fromone end to the other of housing 10. This provides a time spaced sequenceof voltage pulses. Any two or more of the pairs of conductors 26 may beconnected in series or parallel arrangements for the production ofelectrical pulses of varying voltages, currents or durations.

If spring 34 is not utilized and if opening 36 is not provided, themagnetic member 28 will travel towards the plug 14 until the airpressure between the member 28 and plug 14 equals that between theelement 28 and the element 12. The inertia of the magnetic element 28will carry it further, compressing the air between it and the plug 14 toa' pressure greater than that between the explosive element 12 and themagnetic member 28 which will result in the magnetic member 28 beingstopped, and moved in the opposite direction. Thus, magnetic member 28may oscillate back and forth by the effect of air pressure within thehousing 10 after the device is actuated. To further insure suchoscillation spring 34 may be provided to catch, absorb the inertialenergy of the element 28, and return the element towards the explosiveelement 12.

If only a single passage of the magnetic member 28 is desired spring 34is removed and opening 36 is provided as shown. When explosive element12 is fired gas pressure pushes the magnetic member 28 towards the plug14. As the gas pressure between the magnetic member 28 and plug 14increases such pressure is exhausted through ports 36 so that themagnetic member 28 moves towards plug 14 within a buildup of airpressure. In addition, if it is desired to insure only one passage ofmagnetic member 28 other means may be provided for catching the magneticmember after it has passed coils 24, such as providing a tapered end ofthe body 10 adjacent the plug 14.

Magnetic element 28 may be held in its normal position such as by meansof a small diameter pin 44 extending through housing 10 and into themagnetic element, the pin being easily sheared when explosive element 12is actuated. The interior of housing 10 may be coated with a lubricantto insure the rapid and unrestricted movement of the magnetic element 28upon firing of the explosive element.

EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 4, 5 AND 6 Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, adifferent embodiment of the invention is shown. In this arrangement thehousing 10 has a central opening 46 therein which receives theexplosiveelement 12. As previously indicated with reference to theembodiment of FIG. 1, the explosive element 12 may be retained inposition such as by means of internal threads 22 or it may be affixed tothe housing in a variety of other ways. Housing 10 further includes aplurality of longitudinal openings 48 which are parallel to and spacedfrom central opening 46. Each of the longitudinal openings 48 includes acoil 24 in one end. Internally of each of the coils 24 is a paramagneticmaterial.

Received in central opening 46 is a piston member 54 and integrallyaffixed to the piston member is a yoke member 56.-

Supported to the yoke member are magnetic members 28, there being onemagnetic member 28 for each coil 24. The magnetic members 28 aresupported contiguous to the end of pole pieces 50 so as to impart amagnetic field to the pole pieces 50, and tubes 52, thus providing amagnetic field surrounding each coil 24.

OPERATION OF EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 4, 5 AND 6 The arrangement of FIGS. 4,5 and 6 show the embodiment in a rest position. Distorting the ignitercap 20 by a firing pin ignites explosive charge 18. The explosion forcespiston 24 away from the explosive charge and downwardly within housing10 to the position shown in dotted outline, separating the magneticmembers 28 from their position contiguous to pole pieces 50. Thisseparation interposes a high dielectric space between the ends ofmagnetic element members 28 and pole pieces 50, substantially reducingthe magnetic flux linking these two elements, resulting in a suddendecrease of the magnetic field surrounding coils 24. When this decreaseof the magnetic fields takes place the lines of force cut coils 24 andintroduces a voltage pulse in each of the coils.

To insure the displacement of piston member 54 upon the actuation ofexplosive element 28, an O-ring gasket 58 may be provided in acircumferential groove 60. In addition, to insure that piston and yokeportions will remain in their normal position as shown, shear pins 44may be extended through the housing 10 and into the yoke portions 50,shear pins being easily sheared by actuation of explosive element 12.

The arrangement of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show a device which may include asmany coils 24. In this arrangement the pulse produced by each coil issimultaneous with the actuation of explosive element 12 rather thansequential as in the arrangement of FIG. 1. Coils 24 of the arrangementof FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 may be connected in series or parallel to producehigh-voltage or high-current pulses as desired. Obviously the coils 24may be grouped in sets to produce varying voltages and currents fordifferent circuit applications as needed.

Two embodiments of the invention have been illustrated to show the rangeof configurations which the invention may take. It is obvious that manyother alternate embodiments may be utilized keeping within the scope ofthe invention. While the invention has been described with a certaindegree of particularity it is manifest that many changes may be made inthe details of construction and the arrangement of components withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The invention isnot to be limited to the illustrated embodiments but is to be limitedonly by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the fullrange of equivalency to which each element or step thereof is entitled.

What is claimed:

1. A power supply for generating electrical pulses comprismg:

a housing having a central opening therein and a plurality oflongitudinal openings therein parallel and spaced from said cylindricalopening;

a coil received in each of said longitudinal openings;

a yoke member received in said housing and having a piston portionextending in said housing cylindrical opening and a portion extending ineach of said longitudinal openings;

a magnetic member in each of said longitudinal openings affixed to saidportion of said yoke member extending therein, each of the said magneticmembers being movable relative to each of said coils in correspondinglongitudinal openings by the movement of said yoke member; and

an explosive element positioned in said body cylindrical openingincluding an igniter cap whereby said explosive element is ignited bythe physical distortion of said igniter cap, said explosive elementcausing, when ignited, gas pressure acting upon said piston portion ofsaid yoke to displace said yoke away from said explosive element andsaid magnetic members away from said coils to thereby induce voltageseparately in each of said coils.

2. A power supply according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical openinghas internal threads in a portion of the internal surface and whereinsaid explosive element is threadably positioned in said threadedopening.

1. A power supply for generating electrical pulses comprising: a housing having a central opening therein and a plurality of longitudinal openings therein parallel and spaced from said cylindrical opening; a coil received in each of said longitudinal openings; a yoke member received in said housing and having a piston portion extending in said housing cylindrical opening and a portion extending in each of said longitudinal openings; a magnetic member in each of said longitudinal openings affixed to said portion of said yoke member extending therein, each of the said magnetic members being movable relative to each of said coils in corresponding longitudinal openings by the movement of said yoke member; and an explosive element positioned in said body cylindrical opening including an igniter cap whereby said explosive element is ignited by the physical distortion of said igniter cap, said explosive element causing, when ignited, gas pressure acting upon said piston portion of said yoke to displace said yoke away from said explosive element and said magnetic members away from said coils to thereby induce voltage separately in each of said coils.
 2. A power supply according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical opening has internal threads in a portion of the internal surface and wherein said explosive element is threadably positioned in said threaded opening. 